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The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) is working to raise awareness provincially that Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is preventable, can affect anyone, has no cure and that it lasts a lifetime. By educating each other, having conversations and raising awareness, we all have the opportunity to prevent future physical, mental, behavioral and learning disabilities when welcoming new life to our communities. ONWA’s services support mothers and families affected by FASD through a trauma-informed lens and cultural foundations to wholistic care. For more information or to hear more about ONWA’s services please reach out to our centralized intake office at 807-623-3442 or go to our website at onwa.ca

ONWA strongly applauds Ryerson University’s decision on Thursday, August 26, to change its name, based on the recommendations of the Standing Strong (Mash Koh Wee Kah Pooh Win) Task Force, established in November 2020. This is a positive step by the university to extricate itself from the colonial legacy of Egerton Ryerson, who played a key role in advancing the residential school system. The name change is also an important step in acknowledging the ongoing damaging effects of symbolism associated with colonialism for Indigenous peoples. ONWA also celebrates the Ryerson Board of Governors’ decision to adopt all 22 of the Task Force’s recommendations from the final report, including the determination to not restore or replace the Egerton Ryerson statue that had been damaged in June 2021. ONWA recognizes Ryerson University’s actions as a positive step to advancing reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. All public institutions should follow suit and take the necessary steps to learn from our collective history and join us in renouncing a harmful colonial past by taking full responsibility.

Thunder Bay, ON – Friday July 30th, 2021, is United Nations World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. The first steps to preventing human trafficking is to learn more about it. The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) will be releasing a new ‘Fostering Community Safety: Digital Bundle Series’. Indigenous women have the right to live in safety, free from the threat, fear or experience of exploitation and violence. To prevent this ongoing issue for future generations, people need to be informed and aware of the risks and preventative measures they can take. ONWA’s ‘Fostering Community Safety: Digital Bundle Series’ aims to create a safe digital space with the intention of increasing awareness of sexual violence, human trafficking and gang involvement. The thirteen-part video series will act as an online toolkit that can be added to one’s traditional bundle of safety through increasing practical knowledge and in-depth overviews of these issues, as well as teachings of how to build inner strength and move towards healing. Violence against Indigenous women and girls contributes to the normalization of violence and teaches young women to accept this as part of their lives. Indigenous women and girls targeted by human traffickers “comprise a disproportionate number of those sexually exploited in Canada through human trafficking” (Journey to Safe SPACES Report). This needs to end. Let’s all take the time to learn more about human trafficking and what it looks like in our communities. Watch for the first video of the ‘Fostering Community Safety: Digital Bundle Series’ coming soon at www.onwa.ca/learning-resources-ht For more information: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca -30-

The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA)’s She Is Wise magazine continues to be an empowering voice for Indigenous women in print and online. Our magazine is a platform that actively supports ONWA’s on-going work celebrating Indigenous women’s accomplishments and successes and tireless commitment to end racism and violence. The magazine framework centers on Indigenous women’s leadership. It honours collective wisdom by reclaiming that which colonization had targeted, our inherent knowledge as leaders in our families and communities. In this we edition we highlight Indigenous men championing Indigenous women which is truly a collaborative effort. From the dream team of life partners Cecile Sveinson and Melissa, to change makers in law, politics and academia. Indigenous men show their support as creative cohorts spearheading projects with uplifting messages. In these challenging times we wish acknowledge the power of optimism and hope you enjoy this edition of She Is Wise. READ NOW! For more information: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca -30-

Thunder Bay, ON – The Ontario Native Women's Association (ONWA) wishes to congratulate Mary Simon on her appointment as Canada’s first Indigenous Governor General. "Having an Indigenous woman appointed the position of Governor General is a much-needed sign of a shifting Canadian society. At this time in Canada when we're all struggling to redefine what Canada stands for Mary Simon can lead us by using Indigenous tradition to envision a new and better way forward as a nation." – Dawn Lavell-Harvard, President ONWA Mary Simon (Ningiukudluk) is an Inuk born in Kangisualuujjuaq, Nunavik (Quebec). She is an advocate for Inuit rights and culture in Canada. She has represented the Inuit to the Canadian government and the United Nations, including work that led to the Inuit people’s inclusion in the Constitution in 1982. Mary Simon’s has dedicated her life to working and advocating for Indigenous peoples. Her accomplishments and leadership make her an excellent role model, as she truly understands that restoring culture is central to restoring Indigenous communities. ONWA has had the honour of working with Mary Simon on the Indigenous Women's Safety Table, convened in late 2020. This table brings together Indigenous women from across Canada with expertise on Missing and Murdered Women and Girls. ONWA is proud to celebrate the voice and leadership of Mary Simon. For more information: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca -30-

Thunder Bay, ON – On Canada Day and every day, we must acknowledge the legacy of residential schools that are a part of the history of this country. The unresolved atrocities of the residential school system continue to break the hearts, but not the resiliency of Indigenous peoples. Today, the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) is wearing orange to recognize and honour thousands of Indigenous children forcibly taken to residential school and as a testimony to the resiliency of residential school survivors in Canada. Join us and #WearOrangeOnCanadaDay as a call to all levels of government to immediately implement all Truth and Reconciliation (TRC) 94 Calls to Action; an important step in rebuilding Canada's relationship with Indigenous peoples. Reconciliation takes more than words, it takes action. Over 150,000 children were forced to attend residential schools across Canada and many never returned home. We can see the evidence in mass unmarked graves such as the Kamloops Residential School, the Cowessess First Nation Marieval Indian Residential School, and countless more yet to be identified. We need to support one another and stand collectively in demanding justice on behalf of all Indigenous children. Every Child Matters. ONWA acknowledges and honours the thousands of families that are impacted by the horrific legacy of residential schools. ONWA supports Indigenous women and their families whose hearts are broken and stands with you in mourning. “In their resiliency, Indigenous women continue to lead the way. As we grieve the loss of generations of Indigenous children, ONWA is committed to ensuring that the voices of Indigenous women are heard and the echoes of the children’s voices from the spirit world are honoured.” stated Cora McGuire-Cyrette, Executive Director, ONWA It is important that all Canadians read the TRC 94 Calls to Action. In 2015, the TRC requested that the Canadian government begin the search for the suspected unmarked graves at the known 130 residential schools across Canada; that request was denied. Everyone has a role to play in advancing reconciliation. Join ONWA in writing a letter to the Prime Minister calling for the Government of Canada to immediately assume the following actions to address the discovery of mass graves of Indigenous children: Full reinstatement of the Aboriginal Healing Foundation, including funding and programs to support healing services for Indigenous women, families, and communities. Implementation of all 94 Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Government to support Indigenous communities, including urban Indigenous communities to implement the 231 Calls to Justice from the National Inquiry’s Final Report on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. A way to commemorate and honour these little ones through a day of sorrow and remembering every year. To be a part of reconciliation, #WearOrangeOnCanadaDay because #EveryChildMatters and join ONWA's letter writing campaign at: https://www.onwa.ca/open-letter If you are in need of cultural supports: The Indian Residential School Survivors Society Emergency Crisis Line is available across Canada 24/7 at 1-866-925-4419. Talk4Healing Help Line is available 24/7 for culturally sensitive crisis counselling, advise and support at 1-855-554-HEAL (4325). For more information: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca -30-

Thunder Bay, ON – July 30th is the United Nations World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) wants to end human trafficking by breaking the silence. Learn about what human trafficking is and what it looks like in our community. Have the difficult conversations. Rise up. Break the silence. Human trafficking is a global issue, but one that is also happening right now in our communities. There are misconceptions about human trafficking. It is not what you see in the movies and on television. It is not just the proverbial pimp on a corner scenario. “Behind every human trafficking story is a human story. The story of someone’s mother, sister, daughter, who is fighting against overwhelming odds to lead the safe prosperous life that each and every one of them deserves,” stated Dawn Lavell Harvard, ONWA President. Violence against Indigenous women and girls contributes to the normalization of violence and teaches young women to accept this as part of their lives. Indigenous women and girls, targeted by human traffickers, “comprise a disproportionate number of those sexually exploited in Canada through human trafficking” (ONWA, Journey to Safe Spaces Report). This needs to end. Canadian institutionalized racism and societal judgment continues to put Indigenous women at a higher risk of human trafficking. Unique factors in settler society all lead back to the relationship created by colonialism and structures of power. Indigenous Knowledge Carrier Mona Hardy shares, “Parents lost the ability to nurture in the Residential Schools. How can you nurture when you have never been nurtured? We need to intervene and start caring for these people. Survivors of human trafficking need compassion, not judgement.” We need more education, prevention and safety strategies created and implemented by survivors who are re-building identities. It is key that when a victim is identified, all barriers are removed to ensure they are survivors. Indigenous Anti-Human Trafficking Liaison and Survivor, Jessica Wilson shares, “Connecting back to our roots, and who we are, and where we came from is vital. I truly believe that I can turn all of my experiences of my time in ‘the Game’ into education, and support my survivor sisters through this ugly thing called human trafficking.” On this United Nations World Day Against Trafficking in Persons let’s all take the time to learn more about human trafficking and what it looks like in our communities. Together, we can change the narrative by breaking the silence. To learn more about human trafficking, visit www.onwa.ca/learning-resources-ht For more information: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca -30-

Report advocates self-determined solutions to systemic problems underlying the ongoing crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls Toronto, October 4, 2020 – Today, as Sisters in Spirit vigils are being held across the country, the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) has released a detailed report outlining key areas of concern and recommendations for moving forward in ending violence against Indigenous women and girls. It comes after the one year mark since the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. The report, titled: Reconciliation with Indigenous Women: Changing the Story of MMIWG (2020), centers Indigenous women, their knowledge and experience, as not only the focus of the National Inquiry, but as leaders in solutions. It was informed by ONWA’s membership, previous reports, community engagements, and programs that address ending violence against Indigenous women and girls. It also honours community submissions from Indigenous women and families. This critical information must be integrated into the development of the National Action Plan if it is to be successful. Indigenous women experience intersecting social and economic marginalization in many areas that contribute to their exploitation and vulnerability to violence. The report outlines 13 key recommendations covering 28 systems that Indigenous women navigate throughout their lifetime and the forms of violence they face within them, including: healthcare, child welfare, education, food/income security, homelessness/housing, employment, social services, media/social media, etc. “Beyond physical violence, Indigenous women and girls also experience violence in the form of racism, discrimination, and a lack of sovereignty over their children, self and nations, as well as through misrepresentations in literature, education, and research,” says Cora McGuire-Cyrette, Executive Director, ONWA. “To address violence against Indigenous women and girls, the National Action Plan must focus on these social and economic systems and their root causes.” The report offers 13 recommendations based on decades of input from Indigenous women and previous reports, incorporating the traditional 13 Grandmother Moon Teachings. These strength-based recommendations and a wholistic approach foster independence, resilience, and environments in which Indigenous women and girls are respected, not dehumanized, and their safety is supported. The reclaiming of Indigenous women’s leadership and restoring of identity is key to addressing the crisis. Indigenous women’s organizations play an important role as they bring critical knowledge, expertise, leadership, and community voice to the table. This is why ONWA is proud to participate as the federal government’s 11th Indigenous Women’s Working Group, to be comprised of Indigenous women’s service providers and experts on specific safety issues impacting Indigenous women. “Grassroots Indigenous women’s organizations are severely underfunded even though they provide safe spaces where Indigenous women feel comfortable disclosing the violence they are experiencing,” says Cora McGuire-Cyrette, Executive Director, ONWA. “There must be a commitment for the development of new funding relationships that include Indigenous women’s organizations because they are best equipped to respond. ONWA is pleased to be working with both the federal and provincial governments on the National Action Plan.” Communities have the knowledge of how to begin the healing and reconciliation of the intergenerational trauma, oppression, and systemic racism that continue to affect overall health and safety. Having Indigenous women design, develop and deliver community-based programs with independence is where changed outcomes will occur. The report includes many examples of Indigenous women developed solutions and best practices. For example, ONWA’s Breaking Free from Family Violence Program has supported 286 children reunifications and the prevention of 414 children from being apprehended by a child welfare agency in Ontario in the past two years alone. Other examples include: Babaamendam Trauma-Informed Care Program, Ending Violence Against Indigenous Women Program, and the Indigenous Victim and Family Liaison Program. “At a traumatic time in my life, I needed someone to talk to and that would be there 24/7. I needed someone to convince me to make the right decisions instead of repeating my mistakes over and over again,” says an ONWA Community Member. “I endured a great amount of trauma. I could have grown in healthier ways learning from my aunties and from our culture.” Indigenous women must have easy access to inclusive, trauma-informed, culturally based social services that are informed by Indigenous women and their immediate needs. This will lead directly to improved safety and help address the systemic causes of violence that have resulted in Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. The Ontario Native Women’s Association The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) is a non-profit organization that empowers and supports all Indigenous women and their families in the province of Ontario through research, advocacy, policy development and programs that focus on local, regional and provincial activities, since 1971. Ending violence against Indigenous women and their families and ensuring equal access to justice, education, health services, environmental stewardship and economic development, sit at the cornerstone of the organization. ONWA insists on social and cultural wellbeing for all Indigenous women and their families, so that all women, regardless of tribal heritage may live their best life. Website: www.onwa.ca | Facebook: ONWA7 | Instagram: onwa_official | Twitter: @_ONWA_ | LinkedIn: Ontario Native Women's Association For further information: Andre Morriseau ONWA Communications Manager Email: amorriseau@onwa.ca Tel: 647-970-7661 | Toll Free: 1-800-667-0816 Additional Quotes: “Being an Indigenous woman means we have to be more careful out there. We have to be 10 times better at everything we do in order to be taken seriously. To be an indigenous woman means to carry the world on our shoulders, together.” – Raven Reid, ONWA Community Member. “Healing starts when the country we call home recognizes the harm they have caused. We stop MMIWG by standing up and protecting each other. We need support in order for change.” –Kayla Vecchio, ONWA Community Member “A big part of the problem stems from what residential school took away from the elders and consequently, the next generations. It was parental love and that needs to be reintroduced in floods.” – ONWA Community Member “Lack of housing is a huge challenge. This will have long-term impacts on both the physical and mental wellbeing of not only Indigenous women but also their children. This population is growing exponentially and we do not have the resources to permanently house everyone. This will lead to homelessness, which will lead to health issues, mental health issues, lack of education and vulnerability to traffickers.” – ONWA Community Member “I do know that we cannot approach intergenerational trauma and trauma in general, with a cookie cutter approach. Each community will have their own traditions and medicines for healing. I do believe in a two-eyed seeing approach that incorporates both traditional and indigenous ways of knowing, alongside Western ways of knowing.” – Siggy Leslie, ONWA Community Member “Healing is the ability to demonstrate love, resilience, and strength as well as the ability to cope even when faced with triggers and future traumas. The healing needs to go deep and work on a community level as well as an individual level.” – Siggy Leslie, ONWA Community Member Read the Reconciliation with Indigenous Women: Changing the Story of MMIWG (2020) Report: https://www.onwa.ca/learning-resources-mmiwg

Thunder Bay, ON – November 25th is the United Nations International Day of Elimination of Violence Against Women #orangetheworld campaign and this is a call for all of us to step forward and take a stand against violence in our homes, in our communities, and in our systems – locally and globally. Violence against women has deep roots in many societies. We read, hear and speak of multiple acts of violence, from human trafficking to domestic assault, from police brutality to cyber-bullying, from systematic sexual assaults at Indian Residential Schools to the forced removal of babies from their mother’s arms as part of child welfare procedures; each of these violations harms and causes long-lasting pain and injury - and as a society, we must not ignore or worse, silence these voices. As part of their work to address violence against Indigenous Women and Girls, the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) is hosting Poetry Nights at their chapters and offices across the province of Ontario this evening [on Monday, November 25th] in support of the United Nations International Day of Elimination of Violence Against Women #orangetheworld campaign. ONWA is calling on all poets, storytellers, writers and spoken word artists to help raise awareness of violence against Indigenous Women and Girls. ONWA is committed to supporting those who wish to share their words expressing how this issue has touched their lives or the lives of someone they know. The poetry evenings offer community support and hope to those on their healing journey. Poetry nights are currently planned across the province from Kenora to Thunder Bay, Sioux Lookout, Greenstone and Napanee to name just a few communities. Part of the activities include an ongoing art project where participants dip their hands in orange and blue paint and press on a canvas to signify standing together to eliminate violence against women and girls. This project is called "Strong Hands Stop Violence", which is a joint name for the project and the poetry book. Province wide submissions are considered for ONWA’s annual publication highlighting poetry written by Indigenous women. Poetry and other arts-based activities have found a necessary space within the context of healing. Perhaps it’s because we’re able to access different parts of ourselves as we strive to create and express. In the field of trauma, we have learned that the body stores our injuries. We know that trauma is passed down through the generations. And many of us have learned that ceremony and culture is vital to resolving an array of issues related to mental health and wellness. In my work at CAMH, we have brought culture into the very heart of our services for First Nations, Inuit and Métis patients. With Ceremony Grounds on hospital campus, we are able to offer traditional healing through the use of our Medicine gardens, Sacred Fire and Sweat Lodge. As we walk with our people on the pathway to wellness, I am continually reminded of the importance of “lived experience” and the opportunities that we have to use voice to share our experiences, inspire healing and affect change in ourselves and others. Please join us today and stand with #orangetheworld in our collective efforts to eliminate violence against women and girls. Imagine the tears too often silenced by fear Imagine the tears too often silenced by disconnection Imagine the tears too often silenced because of repercussions Imagine the tears too often silenced because to use voice brings about more violence against self and Spirit Imagine the tears too often silenced become frozen traumatized wounded and rewounded and rewounded and rewounded These are the tears of Indigenous women and girls who carry the pain of ourselves and our ancestors Imagine the tears found voice Imagine what we would hear Renee Linklater, PhD is a member of Rainy River First Nations in Northwestern Ontario. She has over 25 years of experience working with Indigenous healing agencies and First Nation communities. Renee has worked across the health and education sectors as a frontline worker, program evaluator, curriculum developer, educator/trainer, and researcher. She is an international speaker on trauma and healing and is the author of Decolonizing Trauma Work: Indigenous Stories and Strategies. Renee is the Director of Shkaabe Makwa at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) and is actively involved in several system level initiatives across the province. For more information, please contact: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) Phone: (647) 970-7661

Background Orange Shirt Day is an annual event that is held on September 30th. It honours the stories, experiences, and lives of those who attended Residential School. This day encourages sharing of stories and empowering Survivors to heal from their trauma through recognizing the lasting effects of those experiences, while honouring the strength of Indigenous children who are survivors of Residential schools. Orange Shirt Day started in May 2013 because of Residential School survivor Phyllis Jack Webstad speaking out about her experience. She spoke how the Orange Shirt her grandmother gave her was taken on her first day and never returned. Phyllis said that orange will always remind her of her experience at Residential School and how no one cared and that she felt she did not matter. By wearing orange on this day, she shares the powerful message that “Every Child Matters”. The Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) recognizes the trauma the Residential School legacy has left behind, and how these traumas still affect people today. ONWA will continue to empower Indigenous people through a trauma-informed, strength-based lens. This year, ONWA invites you participate in a province wide activity by proudly wearing an “Orange Shirt” pin. Activity - Orange Shirt Pins Join us in promoting awareness about Orange Shirt Day by creating and wearing an Orange Shirt day pin. We encourage participants to make their own pins, putting positive feelings and healing thoughts into each one. Residential School experiences are difficult topics. Please ensure you are in a good place (mentally, spiritually, physically, and emotionally) before making this pin. It is a good idea that you have support available in the event that you require assistance. ONWA Orange Shirt Day pin kits will be added to the ONWA weekly Go Bags. Additionally, ONWA Chapters will be providing kits. (Supplies may be limited.) Orange Pin kits include: a felt orange t-shirt, black beads (for outer edge of pin), a needle (be careful as it is sharp), black and orange thread, and a safety pin. We would love to see the pins you are make! Design your shirt and share your photo on social media with the #ONWAOrangeShirtDay hashtag. Please tag us in your post (Facebook @ONWA7, Twitter @_ONWA_, Instagram @onwa_official). Thank you for participating! Every Child Matters

Ottawa, ON – The National Action Plan and Federal Pathway on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls is not an adequate response to the crisis of murders and disappearances, and the ongoing genocide against Indigenous women and girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people that was identified by the National Inquiry. This is the conclusion of a number of Indigenous women experts, grassroots groups and organizations who work with Indigenous families, survivors and communities. They have grave concerns about the immediate health, safety and well-being of Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. The final report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls issued 231 Calls for Justice to be included in a National Action Plan to end genocide that would be grounded in Canada’s domestic and international human rights and Indigenous rights obligations. Co-ordination across jurisdictions was understood by the Inquiry to be a critical part of any Plan moving forward. The Plan entitled: 2021 National Action Plan: Ending Violence against Indigenous Women, Girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ People, drafted by a working group of selected Indigenous organizations and government officials, sets out a vision, goals, and immediate next steps. This plan does not answer how to keep Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQQIA+ people safe, with no specific information about how, when and by whom concrete actions will be taken. Nowhere in the document do governments acknowledge and accept responsibility for the laws, policies, and practices that contribute to, and perpetuate, the ongoing genocide of Indigenous peoples, and specifically of Indigenous women, girls 2SLGBTQQIA+ people. Indigenous women, communities, families, survivors, experts and allies have worked for decades to shine a light on this crisis and demand accountability for the murders and disappearances by governments and institutions. There would never have been a National Inquiry were it not for their determined advocacy. Canada’s failure to create a proper plan to end genocide does not fall on those groups who provided input into the plan. This comes at a specifically difficult time for many Indigenous women and families who are also residential school survivors. The discovery of the mass grave of 215 children represents an incomprehensible trauma to the Secwépemc peoples, survivors and communities across the country who have long known about other unmarked and mass graves. This is why Canada was found guilty of historic and ongoing genocide of Indigenous peoples that has led to high rates of violence against Indigenous women and girls today. This is yet another reason why Canada must take concrete steps to end the genocide and all forms of harm. The National Action Plan, together with the Federal Pathway document, are together extremely disappointing because it does not provide the comprehensive, system-wide, inter-governmental plan that is needed to end genocide. There is no commitment for urgent emergency services to prevent the abuse, exploitation, disappearances and murders of Indigenous women and girls; nor is there a monitoring mechanism - independent of the government of Canada - to monitor the urgent end to genocide. “With this document, Canada has once again dismissed the stories and voices of thousands of Indigenous women, survivors, and families and shown its willingness to be complicit as we continue to go missing and be murdered. We call for immediate action and full implementation of the Calls for Justice and the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.” Kukpi7 Judy Wilson, Secretary-Treasurer of the Union of BC Indian Chiefs “Considering that there is no coordination between the different levels of government, we ask ourselves what is the use of this work?” Viviane Michel, President, Quebec Native Women “The Nation-to-Nation process continues to marginalize and alienate Indigenous women and the representatives of their choice from substantive legal, policy and economic decision-making and governance over their own lives.” Dr. Dawn Lavell-Harvard, President, Ontario Native Women’s Association "The Plan and Pathway do not make expedited registration of First Nations women and their descendants an urgent priority. There are thousands of women and their descendants who are now entitled to status. They need to be registered to end the discrimination they have suffered for decades. It is long past time to restore First Nations women to their rightful place in their communities and nation." Sharon McIvor, Feminist Alliance for International Action “I am pleased to see that intersectionality was included as a guiding principle in the Plan and that it recognizes the higher rates of victimization for Indigenous women and girls who have disabilities; but I don’t see a plan address this lived reality.” Dr. Lynn Gehl “This is not a national action plan. A national action plan defines concrete actions that will be taken and assigns responsibility, resources and timelines for implementing them. This ‘Plan’ does none of that.” Shelagh Day, Chair, Human Rights Committee, Feminist Alliance for International Action “Canada is a state perpetrator of genocide which specifically targets Indigenous women and girls for violence, exploitation, dispossession and oppression. Its failure to accept full responsibility for genocide and outline a plan to end it on an urgent, national basis puts the lives of Indigenous women and girls at grave risk.” Dr. Pamela Palmater, Chair in Indigenous Governance, Ryerson University Indigenous women, in collaboration with communities, families, survivors, advocates and allies, will continue to push Canada to take urgent action and be accountable to end genocide. Contact information: ONWA: Andre Morriseau, Communications Manager amorriseau@onwa.ca QNW: Doreen Petiquay-Barthold, Communications communications@faq-qnw.org UBCIC: Kukpi7 Judy Wilson, Secretary-Treasurer (778) 866-0548 FAFIA: Shelagh Day, shelagh.day@gmail.com Sharon McIvor (250) 378-7479 Dr. Lynn Gehl lynngehl@gmail.com Dr. Pamela Palmater ppalmater@ryerson.ca Watch the Press Conference

Thunder Bay ON - Lakehead University’s Office of Indigenous Initiatives is hosting the Legacy of Hope Waniskahtan Exhibit, designed to create greater awareness about the high rates of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls (MMIWG) and the 2SLGBTQQIA+ community. The goal of the exhibit, which will be at the Thunder Bay Intercity Shopping Centre when it reopens in a few weeks, is to commemorate missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls (MMIWG), and hopefully prevent future violence. The Legacy of Hope Foundation (LHF) is a national Indigenous-led, charitable organization working to promote healing and reconciliation in Canada for more than 19 years. It educates and raises awareness about the history and existing intergenerational impacts of the residential school system and subsequent ‘60s Scoop on Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit and Métis) survivors, their descendants, and their communities. Having hosted previous Legacy of Hope exhibits, staff at Lakehead University are proud to be entrusted with this year’s timely exhibit. “As part of our commitment to reconciliation through education, we are honoured to collaborate with multiple partners to share this important exhibit with the community. It is our hope that all who engage with the exhibit will make a renewed commitment to stand up against violence and promote peace,” said Denise Baxter, Vice-Provost Indigenous Initiatives, at Lakehead University. Lakehead University partnered with the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA) as community leaders in addressing Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. ONWA continues to support programs by working on the frontlines of this ongoing national tragedy and will be inviting the Grandmother Earth Dress to be part of this important event. The Grandmother Earth Dress is a traditional red jingle dress, created by ONWA, and inspired by Jaime Black’s REDress Project. She honours and acknowledges Missing and Murdered Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+. The REDress Project also serves as a sacred item of healing for families as well as communities to commemorate their loved ones. She is meant for families to visualize their loved ones in beautiful traditional regalia. The 365 jingles on the dress represent a year-round call for justice and safety for Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people. “The Legacy of Hope work and the Waniskahtan Exhibit keeps alive the love, tears and memories of our lost mothers, sisters, aunties, grandmothers, family, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ members. The Grandmother Earth Dress proudly speaks to us like jingles in a breeze, keeping hope alive,” stated Cora McGuire-Cyrette Executive Director, ONWA Since the exhibit could not launch for National Indigenous Peoples Day, representatives from partner organizations created a video about the exhibit (produced by the Legacy of Hope Foundation). Lakehead University staff – in partnership with the National Indigenous Peoples Day Committee – wanted to stage the exhibit to recognize, honour, and celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day, which is today (June 21), although due to the pandemic restrictions, the launch had to be postponed. The video includes introductory statements from Lakehead University, ONWA, a National Indigenous Peoples Day Committee representative, the Intercity Shopping Centre, and Sharon Johnson, Ontario Region Project Advisory Committee member to the Waniskahtan Exhibit. Speakers will discuss and share a short tour of the exhibit, explaining why they came together and why this is important for community. The official opening of the exhibit will coincide with the reopening of the Intercity Shopping Centre. The travelling exhibit and accompanying activity guide will be added to the existing roster of 19 exhibitions that are loaned out across Canada every year, thereby ensuring continued education, and sustainability long after the project timeline is over. The Legacy of Hope Foundation acknowledges the financial support of Women and Gender Equality Canada. To view the video please visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8cxJHvbNZaU